Search

Preparing to take your baby home

 

Taking your baby home from the NICU can feel exciting and overwhelming. Here’s how you can prepare:

NICU patient with parent

Learn your baby's care needs

Understand your baby’s feeding routine, medications and any special care they may need. Our NICU staff will guide you on handling daily tasks and any medical equipment. Make sure to ask us questions!

Create a safe space at home

Prepare a calm and safe sleeping area for your baby. Check with your care team if you have questions about the equipment you’ll use at home.

Follow-up appointments

Plan follow-up appointments and connect with specialists. This helps monitor your baby's progress and address any future questions. Our nurses and providers can work together with your baby’s new care team, including your child’s primary care provider (PCP), to ensure a smooth and safe transition.

Plan for emergencies

Be prepared in case of an emergency. Have a list of important phone numbers, such as your baby’s PCP and your local poison control center. Our Community Health Education Center (CHEC) offers an infant CPR and choking class for new parents or anyone that wants to brush up on their knowledge and skills. Techniques taught in the class are based on the American Heart Association Family & Friends CPR guidance.

 

Learn more
Life at home

Having your baby at home after the NICU is a huge milestone! Keep this in mind as you settle into life at home:

Growth and development

Every baby’s journey is unique. Your infant may need continued therapy, nutrition guidance and developmental support after graduating from the NICU. Watch for key milestones and don’t hesitate to ask your health care team about early intervention services, if needed. 

Support groups

The NICU experience can be overwhelming. Connect with parent support groups or online communities who share this experience with you. Talking with others can provide comfort and guidance. The Community Health Education Center (CHEC) offers many types of support groups. Click here to learn more.

If you can't find the kind of group you're looking for, call the CHEC at 503-814-2432. They’d be happy to help you look for resources.

Self-care

Taking care of yourself is essential. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support or resources as you adjust to life at home with your baby.

NICU patient at home

The NICU team is here to answer your questions and support you every step of the way as you prepare for this new chapter. We also have a list of helpful resources for NICU parents.

Download the Salem Health NICU admissions packet, where we share more guidance on how to settle into life at home. We discuss your baby’s growth, safe sleep, next steps in your feeding plan, resources for working parents and more!